Reports

This report investigates claims of Myanmar military airstrikes on villages to assess whether they were isolated incidents or part of a broader pattern. While the State Administration Council (SAC) maintains these strikes are necessary, targeted responses to threats, Myanmar Witness found that in many cases, strikes destroyed or severely damaged villages and infrastructure in areas where civilians, including children, were reportedly present. This contradicts the SAC’s assertion that only insurgents are targeted and suggests that even so-called isolated strikes may reflect a broader, more indiscriminate use of force.

Reports described how dozens - mainly children - had been killed in an airstrike that hit a school in Sagaing’s Tabayin township, claims that were dismissed as 'fake news' by SAC-aligned sources. Myanmar Witness pieced together UGC and satellite imagery to show what really happened.

Using open source intelligence (OSINT) techniques, which include satellite imagery analysis, social media monitoring and cross-verification, Myanmar Witness highlights the significant expansion of rare earth mining operations in Myanmar between 2018 and 2024.

An analysis of user sentiments in Burmese on TikTok and YouTube regarding two key military operations: Operation 1027, led by the Three Brotherhood Alliance in Shan State from October 2023, and the Myanmar military-led Yan Naing Min Operation, starting in early September in 2024. This work aims to understand how users express their opinions and emotions about these events and to reveal any patterns in the engagement between pro-military and anti-State Administration Council (SAC) actors across operations.

On 15 December 2024, Myanmar marked the 77th anniversary of its Air Force Day. This report delves into the newly claimed additions to the MAF service along with a brief overview of the other aircraft present at the ceremony.

Through this vast reporting of Sagaing, Myanmar Witness has aimed to emphasise themes and tactics that show extreme violence and repetition.

A Closer Look at Allegations of Civilian Casualties and Military Tactics

Alleged airstrike kills at least 19 civilians, including children

Documenting damage to Myanmar’s education system since the coup

Destroyed houses and bodies reportedly discovered in Monywa township, in December 2023

Myanmar state run media rejects evidence of deadly airstrikes in Tamu township

The impact of the conflict on church buildings across Chin state